FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister   ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Fuel tank
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Rochdale Owner's Club Forum Index -> Olympic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:28 pm    Post subject: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Following on from the post on Ethanol fuel and tank leakage I just want to add the following, which, I think, may have been discussed in part before.
The prime cause of leaking tanks is not the degradation of the Grp, even at 40 years old, it is caused by poor workmanship and poor design when the cars were made.
The tanks are formed by leaving a void when the outer shell and inner floor moulds are joined. The unfortunate thing about this is that it involves mating together, to form a fuel tight seal, a rough matting face with a smooth gelcote face. If done correctly it should seal but, if the gel face was not roughened and all traces of release agent removed, it will leach fuel between the two layers of the joint. This is exactly what has happened on my car.
I have cut an opening on the inner face of each tank to gain access and intend to laminate over the joint seams and gel over the whole of the inner faces of the tank with a similar gel to the one in Mikes link.
I think that due to the complicated shape of the inside of the tank any attempt to insert a pre formed tank into the space will result in a significant reduction in capacity, the best alternative and most costly solution could be a couple of rubber bag tanks.
Incidentally, the 38 year old Grp inside the tanks is in excellent condition and shows no sign of deterioration.
Regards
Dave
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Howard Evans
Registered User


Joined: 10 Apr 2009
Posts: 118
Location: Crewe

PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:31 am    Post subject: Fuel Tanks Reply with quote

Recently I 'removed' the LH tank of my Ph II, primarily because I didn't like the idea of the vulnerability of a GRP tank (RHS is steel), and also because I was getting a lot of debris in the fuel filter from this side.

I was amazed to find that the internal resin surfaces of the mouldings were absolutely 'as new' and there was very little actual debris at the bottom - no more than a quarter of an inch. However, the fuel pickup pipe had been positioned down in this 'mud-trap' area. If it had been an inch shorter, I'm sure there would have been so problem in this regard.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Alan Smith
Registered User


Joined: 10 Jan 2016
Posts: 90
Location: Littleborough, Lancashire

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 2:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Dave,
How did you get on with your idea for repairing the original fuel tanks?
Did it work out OK?
Was it worth the effort v fitting new ss side tanks or a new horizontal tank?
I ask because it sounds like the best solution to this problem?
Cheaper than fitting either of the options for new tanks?
Better than fitting a horizontal tank that uses valuable 'boot' space?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:34 am    Post subject: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Alan,I tried to reply to you yesterday but I could not copy and paste what I had written in office, I am busy today and will reply over the weekend.
Regards, Dave.
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Alan Smith
Registered User


Joined: 10 Jan 2016
Posts: 90
Location: Littleborough, Lancashire

PostPosted: Fri Mar 23, 2018 10:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Dave
_________________
Phase 1R Olympic
MM 1098 Engine & Gearbox
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
TonyS
Registered User


Joined: 17 Jan 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Worcestershire

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:12 am    Post subject: Re: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Dave-M wrote:
Alan,I tried to reply to you yesterday but I could not copy and paste what I had written in office, I am busy today and will reply over the weekend.
Regards, Dave.


Hi Dave,

I have had problems cutting and pasting in to the Forum. I think sometimes there is a glitch in the programme?

When you paste in to the Message Body your message is there, when you press Preview the message has disappeared.

If this happens ignore Preview and press Submit, your message will now be in the Forum.

If you have a mistake in your message press edit, correct the mistake ignore Preview and press Submit, corrected message will now be in Forum.

Regards,

Tony.

ps) can you sort the problem Keith please
_________________
Rochdale Olympic History Archive


Last edited by TonyS on Sat Mar 24, 2018 6:46 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:31 am    Post subject: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Tony,thank you. You have described the problem exactly. I will try what you suggest.
Regards, Dave.
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:36 am    Post subject: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Hello Alan, Thanks for reviving this 9 year old post, it is probably as relevant now as it was back then. The Ethanol issue is becoming greater with the passage of time.
Any way, in answer to your questions and to give you some insight to my current solution to the "fuel tank"problem, here goes.
I must confess, the original idea of glassing over the seams and covering with a petrol proof gel did not happen so I can’t tell you if it will solve your problem.
Below are a couple of pictures of the access holes that I cut to get inside the tanks, you will notice that the Phase 2 is similar but different to your Phase 1, the plan was to blank them off with aluminium plates on completion.




In the years between 2009 and now I did some research on using 2 part polyurethane to line the existing tanks and I thought it would be an excellent solution to the problem. It is totally resistant to petrol and can be brushed over the inner face of the tanks in multiple layers if required. It would act as a bonded in “bag” tank. It’s not a cheap fix and would cost £100+ (estimated) but still a lot less than other solutions.
The Polyurethane had been my favoured method until recently but I have now decided I really need to finish my Phase 2 and have decided to fit an underfloor tank specifically made to fit with 7 -8 gallon capacity. The concerns over a rear end smash played a significant part in my decision. I have no experience with the club tanks so I can’t comment but there is some discussion on here.
I will post up here regarding progress with my underfloor Phase 2 tank as it progresses.
If you need more info on the Polyurethane send me a message and we can discuss.
Regards, Dave
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis


Last edited by Dave-M on Sat Mar 24, 2018 2:41 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:41 am    Post subject: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Nice one Tony.
I prefer to do some posts in Word as it gives you time to revisit without actually posting the information which might be better with a second look.
Regards, Dave
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TonyS
Registered User


Joined: 17 Jan 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Worcestershire

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 6:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Dave,

Been dyslexic I always have to write in WORD first and then cut and paste.

I know of 2 Olympics in long term use with original Fibreglass tanks that the petrol has leached through all over the area of the tanks.
The outsides of the wings are covered in blisters and dissolved paint. The only answer is a alloy tank (Club ones are to small) “Duffy” has a 55lt alloy tank.

Regards,
Tony.
_________________
Rochdale Olympic History Archive
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 7:18 pm    Post subject: Fuel tank Reply with quote

Tony, The Ally tank solution is what I have decided to do. I am at the stage of sorting the Cad drawings to do a purpose made tank to fit the phase 2. Once the drawings are finished I will have the parts Laser cut and tig welded. The final capacity will depend on how far I decide to extend the tank across the car toward the silencer but my target is to have a range of 250 -300 miles minimum.
If anyone want's to have any input at the design stage I would be pleased to hear from them.
I also think I may have a solution to the spare wheel location which may be mounted where the tank needs to be.
Regards, Dave
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Alan Smith
Registered User


Joined: 10 Jan 2016
Posts: 90
Location: Littleborough, Lancashire

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the reply Dave, it was very interesting and much appreciated.
Thanks also to Tony for his comments and experience on this issue.
My Phase 1 has a smallish steel fuel tank mounted horizontally on the floor, so I assume a previous owner suffered with the original fibreglass fuel tank.
I liked the idea of reinstating the integrated fuel tank in order to maximise the space available if I decide to carry out a hatchback or boot conversion in the future.
However, I think I will now go with cleaning the sludge out of my existing steel fuel tank and keep it as is for now.
On the one hand, I want to get my car on the road asap as I have never driven a Rochdale yet, and I can't wait!
On the other hand, I prefer to get things right first time instead of doing something and then having to do it again. Also, I prefer to invest in worthwhile upgrades as and when the opportunity arises. It's not easy deciding what to do with my car. Original or modified? Ah well, there are worse problems in life.
I am reading your posts with interest. You are certainly cracking on with it. Good Luck!
_________________
Phase 1R Olympic
MM 1098 Engine & Gearbox
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Alan Smith
Registered User


Joined: 10 Jan 2016
Posts: 90
Location: Littleborough, Lancashire

PostPosted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 7:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was planning on cleaning out the existing steel petrol tank.
Having taken it out, I can now see it is not looking too healthy.
The entire internal surface is covered with a coarse rust shale.
I am aware there are a wide variety of treatments available.
However, I'm not sure the amount of effort and cost involved is worth it, or whether the treatments are effective and long lasting?
Has anyone had any positive or negative experiences of using these treatments?
[/img]
21/4/18
Photo replaced.

_________________
Phase 1R Olympic
MM 1098 Engine & Gearbox
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Dave-M
Registered User


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 377
Location: Yorkshire, England

PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:24 pm    Post subject: tanks Reply with quote

Can anyone confirm that the fibreglass tanks in the Phase 1 & 2 both have the
same internal shape.
Regards, Dave
_________________
Ph.2 Ford 1500 GT
GT with Rochdale Chassis
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
keith hamer
Site Admin


Joined: 28 Jan 2006
Posts: 312
Location: Ellesmere Port

PostPosted: Fri Mar 29, 2019 9:22 am    Post subject: Fuel tanks Reply with quote

The fibreglass fuel tanks in the ph1 and ph2 Olympics are very different although achieved using the same basic method, ie the outer skin of the car is the outer skin of the tank, the inner skin is formed by means of a closing panel bonded in place during the initial moulding process.

The ph1 having a lower and profiled rear floor and the ph2 having a higher boot floor means that the ph2 tank is effectively smaller capacity than that of the ph1.

The pictures show the ph2 tank fitted, and a ph1 tank.


_________________
Working to increase the profile of Rochdale Cars


Last edited by keith hamer on Sat Mar 30, 2019 9:36 am; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Rochdale Owner's Club Forum Index -> Olympic All times are GMT
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group